Ariel Pink Says He's Writing Songs for Madonna

Pop megastar Madonna is currently working on the follow-up to her 2012 misfire MDNA, and she's got some big names attached to the project. Some, like Diplo, make perfect sense as collaborators. But there's also been one bizarre choice, as the producers have allegedly asked Ariel Pink to contribute some songs.

Ever a loudmouth, the psychedelic pop performer did not keep quiet about his potential future Madonna work. Instead, he offered his thoughts on the album with Faster Louder [via Pitchfork].

"They need something edgy. They need songwriting," he said. "She can't just have her Avicii, her producers or whatever, come up with a new techno jam for her to gyrate to and pretend that she's 20 years old. They actually need songs. I'm partly responsible for that return-to-values thing."

Going even further, Pink had some harsh words for Madonna's career trajectory. "I guess it's called 'throwback,' but the first record was so good because of the songs," he added. "It's been a downward slide. Ray of Light is not cool. And all the other stuff she's done after that, it's not like it matters. It really shows a drain of values. People need more substance in their mac-and-cheese. People need more sugar or something."

Time will tell if any of Ariel Pink's compositions make it onto Madonna's record. In the meantime, he artist is gearing up to release his new album pom pom on November 18 via 4AD.

UPDATE: Madonna's manager Guy Oseary has denied Ariel Pink is involved with Madge's new album, saying she "has no interest in working with mermaids."